haploid
Definition
Adjective:
- Having a single set of chromosomes: Describes a cell or organism that contains only one complete set of chromosomes, which is the typical state for gametes (e.g., sperm, egg cells) in animals and for many organisms in certain stages of their life cycle.
Noun:
- An organism or cell with a single set of chromosomes: In genetics, a haploid is a cell, such as a gamete, or an organism whose cells contain only one set of chromosomes.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Gametes are haploid cells that fuse during fertilization to form a diploid zygote.
- In bees, drones are haploid because they develop from unfertilized eggs.
- Noun:
- The pollen grain is a male haploid in plants.
- Fungi often spend a significant portion of their life cycle as haploids.
Advanced Usage
- Haploid number (n): The number of chromosomes in a haploid cell, often represented by the symbol 'n'.
- The human haploid number is 23.
- Haploid phase: A stage in an organism's life cycle where its cells are haploid.
- In mosses, the dominant green plant is the haploid phase.
Variants and Related Words
- Haploidy (n): The condition of being haploid.
- Haploidy is essential for sexual reproduction to maintain a constant chromosome number across generations.
- Diploid (adj/n): The contrasting term, describing a cell or organism with two complete sets of chromosomes (one from each parent).
Synonyms
- Monoploid (adj): A less common synonym for haploid, specifically referring to the basic chromosome set.
- (For the noun): Gamete (in the context of animals), spore.
Antonyms
- Diploid (adj/n): Having two sets of chromosomes.
- Polyploid (adj/n): Having more than two sets of chromosomes.
Adjective
-
of a cell or organism having a single set of chromosomes
Noun
-
(genetics) an organism or cell having only one complete set of chromosomes
